SHORTLY after the announcement of Malaysia’s biggest fight card since the Muhammad Ali-Joe Bugner showdown in 1975, professional boxer Aiman Abu Bakar announced he will be joining the Manny Pacquiao-Lucas Matthysse thriller at Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil on July 15.
Following his meeting with Pacquiao, who is also a senator in the Philippines, last month, Aiman was invited to fight in the undercard as a “homecoming fight” after being away from home for four years.
“I’ve been all over the Philippines news these couple of weeks as I am preparing for my big fight in July. For this fight, I’ve been invited to train alongside current world champion, Jerwin Ancajas, to help me prepare for the fight in July.
“Pacquiao wants me to have a homecoming fight on his undercard after my four years away from Malaysia. That’s why I was invited to the Senate office in the Philippines back in March,” he said.
Aiman, 25, is yet to find out who his opponent is but is honoured to be part of the event, aptly named Fight of Champions.
“I feel honoured and privileged to be part of this historic event, thanks to Senator Pacquiao and my team for giving me a platform, not only to introduce myself to Malaysians but to show the world what a true Malaysian boxer is all about,” he said.
Pacquiao said: “He (Aiman) has to train hard, to show that this is a once in a lifetime (for him) to be on a big card in this country. (He needs to) work hard, have discipline and not to disappoint his countrymen.”
The main card will see eight-division champion Pacquiao take on World Boxing Association welterweight champion Matthysse of Argentina for the world title.